Making Connections

Introduction

In my opinion, the first article on culture[1] was hard to write and somewhat messy with my writing wandering a bit, but with a good outcome. It actually reflected my state of mind quite well. It’s time for action. My drone activities keep me largely in the mountains, forest or sea as I practice the art of flying. Probably speaking it’s time to come down from the mountains and connect. In network parlance it’s time for this node to connect to the network 🛜.

My immediate actions were to finally write my photography article[2] for this site, connect my FAA Remote Pilot certification with my LinkedIn profile[3], share my drone photography with the internet[4] and search for careers in the drone industry.

Social Media and LinkedIn

First realization on LinkedIn for me was that it has grown into something more than job site since my last resume upload. The best way for me to describe LinkedIn concisely as a user is it's a trade magazine[5] on steroids! It caters to all sectors of industry and gives each sector a space to talk shop professionally. It is by no means perfect but it’s a great start.

A large part of LinkedIn is your account, what I have come to realize is your professional profile. Connecting my drone endeavors with my LinkedIn profile required some work on my neglected LinkedIn profile. I saw this as a positive activity that has helped solidify my thinking on a range of professional subjects and increase my awareness about major technical endeavors companies are taking on.

I have gained a wonderful new data source for drone activities across the world! My focus culturally speaking remains the same, people, their drones and the activities they get up to in North America, it’s where I fly. I immediately started following the companies Autel Robotics[6] and DJI[7] and started reviewing my LinkedIn feed. It did not take long for these American drone companies to show in my feed, Skydio[8], Teal Drones[9] and Brinc Drones[10]. Now they are not the only ones but these companies are investing in large drone programs that integrate drones with infrastructure.

Supercharged Industrial Development

Within a week of watching these companies’ LinkedIn feeds, you immediately recognize that drone technology is in full adoption across the United States. It is impossible not to mention the Ukrainian War as a driver for this. The innovations the Ukrainian people have produced with drone technology are nothing short of spectacular. Countries and Defense departments around the world have had no choice but to react and develop counter measures as relatively inexpensive drones take out sophisticated military equipment and infrastructure.

The United States is no exception and the military is acting. Teal Drones and Skydio have both secured several government contracts worth millions of dollars. Brinc Drones is funded by private individuals and companies and focuses on law enforcement and first responders. All of these companies have received substantial financial backing and are integrating drones and UAV technology into American society.

Interestingly, much of the integration is being enabled by what the drone industry is calling a nest. Which is actually a drone docking station built to charge and house the drone remotely. The internet of things has a new player! It essentially makes the drone an infrastructure tool with centralized control much like the US Air Force model with Creech Air Force Base[12]. Except the location is a city or community and the focus is law enforcement and first responder activities. It makes a lot of sense given what will most likely be faster response times and increased situational awareness once the drone arrives at the event’s location.

I also want to acknowledge a growing market for custom built drones for specialized functions such as the Flying Sun 1000 by FreeFly[13] for location lighting. There are many home grown endeavors and I wish them all well. Price very much remains an issue for the individual remote pilot, but with more people and companies entering the space, we should see costs decrease over time.

Governmental Developments

The US government has very much influenced drone development and research in the United States. The latest development is National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2025. This restricts the use of foreign drones by US government agencies as there is the possibility of National Security risk. It has a direct bearing on the Chinese drone companies DJI and Autel, potentially leading to restrictions based on security assessments. On a more positive note, the FAA continues to work on part 108, the next iteration of drone regulations that focuses on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

Conclusion

Recent changes in the government and regulatory sectors have made the prospect of US-made drones financially viable. I am really happy to see this and look forward to the day I see a Skydio X10D in the wild. American drone manufacturers have a bright future ahead of them right now and American drone pilots will benefit from this. I believe that’s the US government’s plan and it seems to be working. Looking at career opportunities is a great way to learn about how the industry is growing. For example, a utilities lineman can benefit from having a drone pilot’s license as drone utility inspections are quicker, safer and less dangerous to conduct than traditional inspection methods.

Once again I am astonished by the changes in the drone industry, staying connected is a valid and important concern. I for one will certainly look forward to conducting BVLOS operations.

400ft.org

Making Connections

Making Connections

Introduction

Social Media and LinkedIn

Supercharged Industrial Development

Governmental Developments

Conclusion

Resources

Making Connections

Introduction

Social Media and LinkedIn

Supercharged Industrial Development

Governmental Developments

Conclusion

Resources

Federal Aviation Administration

LAANC and B4UFLY Services